The GWiB Golden Gems Awards
Each year, Golden Women in Business invites its members to nominate other influential GWiB members for the GWiB Golden Gems Awards.
The two awards available each year are the Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership and Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award. Additionally, Lora Engesser, the founder of GWiB, is giving out a Founders Award. In 2025, we also introduced the Carrie Critchfield Engagement Award and the Irene Goetz Legacy Award.
We also encourage you to explore the stories behind each of our award namesakes — their legacies are truly inspiring.
Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership Award
The Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership Award is given to a woman who demonstrates exceptional and impactful leadership in the Golden community. This woman:
Develops trust and respect in the community through open communication and relationship building.
Positively influences and builds consensus in the community or internally among co-workers, community members and/or GWIB members.
Manages or champions effectively through formal and informal leadership.
Serves as a role model with high levels of integrity.
Demonstrates transformative and innovative leadership skills by empowering groups and fostering effective change to contribute to the success.
Congratulations to Alissa Mattson - 2025 Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership Award
Tonight, we honor a woman who embodies the very essence of community leadership—Alissa. As the visionary behind Kona Bowls, she has done far more than build a thriving superfood café; she has created a welcoming space that radiates kindness, health, and connection. Her dedication to wellness extends beyond nutrition—she nourishes the Golden community itself, supporting local businesses, championing important causes, and always leading with generosity and heart. Through open communication and relationship-building, Alissa has earned deep trust and respect, not only from her customers but from fellow entrepreneurs and community members alike.
A natural leader, Alissa brings people together—whether through her involvement in GWIB, her support of fellow business owners, or her ability to spark collaboration and innovation wherever she goes. She leads by example, demonstrating integrity, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making Golden a better place. Her impact isn’t just felt—it’s seen in the businesses she lifts up, the people she inspires, and the meaningful change she helps create.
Alissa, your leadership is transformative, your presence is uplifting, and your influence is truly immeasurable. You make Golden stronger, kinder, and more connected,
Congratulations to Wendy Renee - 2024 Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership Award
Wendy is a true leader and gives in so many ways in our community. She donates her time to many people and organizations. She has held numerous positions with the Golden Lions Club, including Past President, Current Membership & Program Chair and the Co-chair Annual Fourth of July and Chair for the Buffalo Bill Days Vendors.
Wendy saw a need to support new members of the community by starting two Meetups: Boulder New Locals and Golden New Locals. She’s involved in many organizations, including the Golden Rotary Club, BNI of the Applewood Chapter, and Leadership Golden Glass of 2024. She spends countless hours as a DABC Advanced Tax Volunteer. She supports where she lives as an ambassador of the Golden and West Metro Chambers. She contributes to Golden Living Magazine’s Mortgage Expert as a Mortgage Pro with Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.
Wendy actively advocates for GWIB, attends many events, and is the new coordinator of the Home Services Circle. She is a fantastic person, whether working on a team or individually. She exudes positivity, a sense of calmness, and kindness and listens intently. One of her nominees said, “She is truly a soul”.
Congratulations to Mara Prendergast - 2023 Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership Award
Mara builds community among business owners by bringing them together through constant collaboration. She understands that we are all most successful when we work together, and she is a connector in our community. Mara facilitates endless events within the community that bring people together and champion other women in business: from health expos, to social media campaigns, photo shoots, fundraisers, fitness challenges & certifications, community celebrations, and keg conditioning classes. She has built and operates multiple businesses and excels at entrepreneurship.
Not only does Mara help grow others in business, but she is also a steadfast friend who is always diving deeper to be the best mother, partner, friend, and human being that she can be. She walks her talk and is always genuinely building herself and building her community. Mara is the owner of Unite Fitness.
Congratulations to Annie Hammond - 2022 Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership Award
Annie is all about relationship-building. She will always try to put you in touch with someone who can help you, or point you to a useful resource. As part of a small community bank, she provides a valuable resource to local businesses and takes that mentality into her personal as well as professional life. She is a force of nature and acts as a good role model for women in the community, showing how they can help others throughout their lives.
Also, she is all about the community. Her nickname is the "connector". She laughingly says "I know a lot of people so just tell me what you need and I'll have a name. Need a realtor? insurance agent? a podiatrist?--I'm sure I know someone." She has served on many Boards throughout the years. In the past she served as President of Westside Business Builders, she just finished as President of Applewood Business Association and others. She was just asked to be on the American Heart Association Board. As a banker at Sunflower Bank, she has expertise in the SBA loan arena - so ask her about that next time you see her.
Congratulations to Kim Mangle - 2021 Eliza Boyd West Community Leadership Award
Kim supports and strengthens Golden non-profits in various ways. She founded the ED Roundtable, where non-profits can collaborate and receive training and support. She has been a part of various strategic planning efforts for very well-loved non-profits such as BGoldN. When the pandemic began, she looked to her love of sewing and formed 5280 Masks, where she still is providing masks in various retail locations around Golden. She is a kind and gracious person that is willing to step in and lend a hand where needed. She is currently supporting the efforts of the Coors family while they gather community feedback for what will be built on the Porcelain Plant land.
Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award
The Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award is given to a woman whose service to the community of Golden has created a positive and lasting impact. This woman:
Assists others in improving their community through volunteer programs, social groups, outreach centers, sports programs or after-school groups.
Has made a lasting impact on the Golden community through their involvement in the aforementioned programs.
Demonstrates their commitment to service in their community in a variety of ways.
Serves as a role model with high levels of integrity.
Congratulations to Renee Schreiner — 2025 Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award Recipient
Renee has been a dedicated and active presence in the Golden and surrounding communities for over two decades. A longtime business owner and connector, she has led her Mary Kay business since 1996 and is known for her genuine kindness, generosity, and infectious enthusiasm.
In addition to her role as a current GWIB Guide and past Participation Award winner, Renee serves on the boards of several local organizations including the Applewood Business Association (where she is also Program Director), the Wheat Ridge Chamber of Commerce, and the Westside Business Builders—a group she helped found in 2004. She has also held multiple leadership positions across these organizations and continues to lead with vision and heart.
Renee is the true definition of a community pillar. She coordinates the annual Wheat Ridge Carnation Festival, actively supports fundraisers for Wheat Ridge High School and Stober Elementary, and generously gives her time and talent to many events across Golden, Wheat Ridge, and Applewood.
As one nominator shared, "Renee spreads joy wherever she goes! She volunteers her time in so many different ways that it's inspiring to others to join her.” Another noted, “She is a kind, loving, and caring individual... I’m truly proud to call her my dear friend.”
Please join us in congratulating Renee for this well-deserved recognition. Her leadership, love for community, and tireless service continue to inspire us all.
Congratulations to Carrie Preister — 2024 Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award Recipient
Carrie always has such a great attitude and is a strong member of the community as well as the City of Golden. She’s a person you can always count on if you need help. She has many talents and puts tremendous energy into anything she manages. Over the years, she has been a strong supporter of several local businesses and events within the community.
Carrie volunteers regularly with the Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Civic Foundation. She organized the Golden High School’s After Prom and the Golden Talent Mine. She owns Minx Show and is also a Managing Director at Westar Real Property Management.
Carrie has really grown her involvement in GWIB over the past couple of years by helping out with several events and lately being the GWIB’s Happy Hour Coordinator.
She is a single Mom with 3 children, and we admire her spirit, enthusiasm and roll-up-your-sleeve and get-it-done attitude!
Congratulations to Nadine Wilson — 2023 Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award Recipient
You might know Nadine as the owner of Truly BoHotique. Not many know that she is also a the owner of Moxie Consulting, a marketing consulting company focused on real estate agents. Nadine integrates her values of empowering women in everything she does both personally and professionally.
She is sponsoring GWiB and also gives back through her business to the community in multiple ways. One of the most fabulous community outreaches to young women in Golden was born and fostered by Nadine. Each fall, Nadine outfits hundreds of young women from The Colorado School of Mines to be interview and business ready. The Mines Dress for Success Event is a Business attire clothing drive for about 300 Mines women for career day and job interviews. The clothing is donated by our community, then a try on event is held at Truly and Truly also donates items. Each woman gets about 2 outfits to take home with them.
She hosts & sponsors community events, such as International Women’s Day conferences and offers deep discounts and giveaways on the annual day.
During the Boulder County wildfire, Nadine spearheaded the creation of a Facebook page and rallied several local businesses together to give a percentage of their sales to raise over $43,000, which went to the Boulder County Wildfire Funds.
Congratulations to Stacy Fowler — 2022 Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award Recipient
Stacy is part of the glue that holds the Golden community together. She has great energy, is active and present and helps everyone in her path. She is serious about helping the women of Golden live their best lives physically and her free hula hoop exercise classes at the Eddy are just the latest example of her constant innovation and drive to help her community. Through her non-profit “We Play It Forward”, Stacy raises funds to help ease the fee barriers of organized sports. Her love of nature led her to launch Camp GO, connecting kids and families to the outdoors. She brings joy to so many young and old every holiday season with the Elf Academy teaching young children how to be an Elf. She helped get International Women’s Day created in Jefferson County. Together with Cheryl Jordan, she organized the Goosetown Fun Run in 2019 as a fundraiser for the Golden Fire Station. There are countless other things she has done to give back to our community and we cannot list all of it here. When you meet her, ask her about her time as a Fitness coach to the celebrities or her features on TV, radio and print for famous programs such as Good Morning America and Shape Magazine.
You might see Stacy having fun with the Golden Beer Tours, where she is showing tourists around Golden on The Golden Hayride.
Congratulations to Deb Starkey — 2021 Helen Ferrell Berthoud Community Service Award Recipient
Deb Starkey has her hands in so many community endeavors a paragraph would not do it justice. From being on the board of Golden Women in Business, Jeffco International Woman's Day Board to her Mary Kay and Life coaching, she has been a positive impact to so many in her community. Deb Starkey is a Rock Star Volunteer when it comes to community service in her hometown. Just the kind of woman Helen would be so proud of in her community. Her smile can light up a room and her heart is as big as - well its ’s huge! Always the cheerleader wherever she goes, she spreads cheer and lights up the room. Always willing to roll up her sleeves and help her fellow team members and friends she loves to make others shine. Her energy is contagious, and her positive attitude is so refreshing at a time when the world is a mess. She is a friend to many and our GWIB community is stronger because of her tireless efforts. She is the owner of Deb Starkey Coaching.
Founders Award
Additionally, Lora Engesser, the founder of GWiB, is giving out a The Founders Award. The award honors someone in GWiB that exemplifies the spirit of building our community and the characteristics of GWiB. The person needs to be a GWiB member for at least 2 years, dedicated to GWiB running efficiently and encouraging the longevity of the group.
Congratulations to Liz Hart — 2025 Founder’s Award Recipient
Liz Hart is the Vice-President of Operations and Secretary for GWiB. She’s responsible for overseeing the organization’s operations, maintaining the bylaws, managing sponsorships, taking the board meeting minutes, and keeping us all on strategy!
Liz is an attorney and founding partner of the law firm Hailey | Hart PLLC. Hailey | Hart is an award-winning women-owned law firm that specializes in injury cases and insurance disputes. Hailey | Hart has been nationally recognized as a Top Law Firm by US News and the attorney team has consistently held Super Lawyers distinctions since the firm’s inception. Their mission is to bring justice and financial security to Coloradans dealing with unexpected loss or tragedy and provide a path forward for a brighter, more confident future. In her free time, Liz loves to hike, snowboard, paint, travel, read the news every morning, and try new restaurants. She lives in Golden with her husband, two children (Sloane and Sullivan), and pup child (Redley). Liz is originally from the Kansas City area and is a proud Midwesterner. If there’s anything that reveals Liz’s Midwestern roots, it’s that Liz bought her first car at the age of seventeen with money earned while she worked at Sonic as a car hop. And she drove that same car until she turned 30 years old until the wheels quite literally fell off.
Congratulations to Georgina Miller — 2024 Founder’s Award Recipient
Georgina became a GWiB member not long after moving to Golden. She didn’t hesitate to join our board as the Book Club coordinator and soon volunteered to support GWiBs growing needs using her expertise in marketing and brand strategies as a board member. She dedicated herself to collaborating to streamline GWiB messaging, aligning our branding across all platforms. She spearheaded the creation of our board governance documents to refine our structure and processes. Georgina used her knowledge of marketing strategies, content creation and digital marketing to contribute to the growth of GWiB. Georgina’s willingness to take on any task, supporting others in GWiB and our board has been instrumental to our success. Her leadership of the GWiB book club and co-charing the quarterly New Member Mixer has fostered a sense of community and intellectual curiosity among our members. She is from the UK and fluent in French and German, but even as a globetrotter who enjoys far-away vacations and who has lived in other countries, it has not deterred her from embracing our little Golden Community with open arms. She is the owner of Crabapple Communications.
Congratulations to Danette Rockwell — 2023 Founder’s Award Recipient
Within GWIB our CIRCLES have shaped a space for women to share and grow about their specific industry. Whether you have chosen to join a CIRCLE or not quite yet, We are so fortunate to have all of you in our CIRCLE of friends, business owners and life.
Danette - or as she is know to us: DD, is in our community who exemplifies this CIRCLE - a women who does it all, balances their family life, business life, hobbies such as a musician, mountain biker, a teacher; seeking out new things for themselves to create joy and meaning, all while truly caring for the things they hold special in their heart. We all know that ‘doing it all’ can bring about spreading oneself to thin…or negatively affecting one important aspect to take care of another. That being said this person has had the inner strength, the willpower, the direction, the perseverance… to keep forging ahead, plotting new trails for herself which directly affect those around her, both within her inner CIRCLE rippling her CIRCLE connection to Golden and beyond. DD is a musician and a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Colorado Real Estate.
Congratulations to Ursula Webhofer — 2022 Founder’s Award Recipient
Ursula has been an integral part of Golden Women in Business since the beginning! Since 2015, Ursula has propelled GWIB by creating and maintaining our website. She is the keeper and organizer of many documents and files that keep track of our members, our events, and our successes!
Going above and beyond for the good of our group, Ursula truly emulates dedication, loyalty and friendship. We would not be where we are today without all of her steadfast work to keep us navigated towards the future!
Besides helping small/medium size businesses and non-profits with marketing projects with her marketing agency called Ur Web Marketing, she also works as a linguistic and functional software tester and volunteers for Bell Middle School PTA, Golden High School PTA, Golden High School Mountain Bike Team, Golden Schools Foundation, Act Locally Golden as well as WeeCycle Colorado. She also sells her Grandma’s greeting cards under Mimi’s Vintage Art.
Congratulations to Jen Thoemke — 2021 Founder’s Award Recipient
Jen took over the leadership of GWiB in 2016 and was the driving force to creating a board of directors and a mission.
Jen is the Chief Connector and Creator for Connects Workspace, Managing Member of Cafe 13 and owner of Gold Mine Cupcakes. She is a Colorado native with over 25 years of leadership experience ranging from non-profit, small business, and Corporate America. In June 2015, she opened Connects Workspace, a 3000 square foot coworking space in Golden, Colorado, and has since expanded to 15,000 square feet of coworking space and over 200 members. Connects Workspace has been a staple in the Golden business community and won the 2019 Business of the Year award for the Golden Chamber of Commerce. In June 2018, Jen purchased Cafe 13, neighbor to Connects Workspace, and in May 2021, purchased Gold Mine Cupcakes. Through this opportunity, she has been able to bring the love of creating community to Golden as a whole.
Carrie Critchfield Engagement Award
For outstanding involvement and active participation in Golden Women in Business.
This award is presented in honor of Carrie Critchfield, a trailblazer in Golden’s history and the first woman elected to Golden City Council. Her legacy of leadership, service, and dedication to empowering women in business lives on through this award. With gratitude for your outstanding participation, unwavering support, and meaningful contributions to Golden Women in Business.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Carrie Critchfield Engagement Award:
Stacey Stevens
Sherri Teter
Renee Schreiner
Irene Goetz Legacy Award
Honoring unwavering dedication and timeless service to Golden Women in Business.
This award is presented in honor of Irene Goetz, a lifelong Golden resident and dedicated historian who worked with businesses and organizations that continue to contribute to our community. This award recognizes over five years of dedicated membership in Golden Women in Business and a lasting commitment to growing both our organization and the Golden community. Your involvement reflects the legacy of service, connection, and passion that Irene Goetz so deeply embodied.
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2025 Irene Goetz Legacy Award:
Crystal Baldwin, Docia Boylen, Jill Breheny, Jane Bruce, Erin Chamberlain, Jennifer Ebetino, Lora Engesser, Martha Everett, Amanda Farrell, Stacy Fowler, Susan Ganter, Jackie Greiner, Susannah Horwitz, Erin Jackman, Cheryl Jordan, Abby Lee, Freida Leonard, Saré Merrigan, Georgina Miller, Amity Moore Joyce, Laura Moore Young, Heather McNamara, Cindy Pearson, Jordanna Quinn, Meera Rosser, Deb Starkey, Cyndi Stewart, Sherri Teter, Jen Thoemke, Audrey Waldron, Jeri Walsh, Courtney Watson, Ursula Webhofer, Robyn White and Nadine Wilson.
The idea behind the Golden Gem Awards:
GWiB wants to put the focus on Golden Gems that shine! Eliza and Helen were courageous women and wives of the founders of Golden. While the names of their husbands keep living on in Colorado’s and Golden’s famous landmarks (Berthoud Pass and George West Camp), their powerful spouses are forgotten! Let's be honest, behind every successful man is a fabulous woman!
About Eliza Boyd West (1843-1920)
Eliza was known for her lovable character and cheerful personality. Her father, Judge TP Boyd, one of Golden’s founders, built one of the first three homes in Golden. She married founding father of Golden, George West, 17 years her senior, who she met over an apple pie prank which George made with unbaked apples and Jamaica ginger seasoning, offering her a piece with a smirk. She fell in love with his wit and humor and felt that this man needed someone to care for him. She traveled and served the Union army with George as a nurse and caretaker to the sick and wounded soldiers. Along with their three children, she worked tirelessly with him on his beloved Golden Transcript. Eliza was a member of The Colorado Press Club and became a talented journalist herself, selling her stories to newspapers to supplement the family income. Her pen name was Kate Warrenton. The Golden Transcript was not a money maker, so Eliza & George also became sale agents for the elliptic hook stitch sewing machine product.
As town founders, the Wests hosted many social gatherings and Buffalo Bill was often a guest. Ever the hostess, Eliza’s home was a daily gathering place for townspeople and friends.
Eliza was a lifter in the community and the town leaned on her leadership as well. She was a true pioneer woman who faced the hardships of Colorado’s early days and helped build up Golden to be the Gem it is today. We owe a lot to this generous pioneer lady who brought energy, courage, zest, hospitality, and enthusiasm to lay the foundation for those to come.
About Helen Ferrell Berthoud (1830-1887)
Helen was known for her educational pursuits and service to others. Her father, John Ferrell, was part of one of the first families to settle in Golden in 1859. He built the first bridge across Clear Creek for the gold rushers, which is the same spot as the bridge today on Washington Ave. He owned the Miners Hotel in Golden where the family all also lived. Helen married the famous surveyor Edward Berthoud, who also served as Mayor of Golden and was the County Superintendent of Schools. Yes, he “discovered” Berthoud Pass in 1861. And yes, he is the same man who founded Colorado School of Mines. Helen worked alongside her husband in all his endeavors. Helen traveled to war with her husband and served the soldiers under his Union command. She was instrumental in founding The Grand Army of the Republic and the Woman’s Relief Corps along with other branches of charity and fraternity. She and her husband also founded the Overland Hotel. She was one of the most active and faithful leaders of the community. When she and her husband saw poor children admiring toys in the windows of shops, they bought those toys and gave them as Christmas gifts to make sure the children awoke on Christmas day with gifts under the tree. When it came to social matters, Helen was at the forefront of the happenings, often entertaining the legislature when it was in session. She was held in the highest esteem and respect. Her kindness and graciousness left Golden a much better place.
We were unable to find pictures of Helen Berthoud, so we re-enacted Eliza and Helen in 2021, thanks to Oh! Susanna’s Vintage Photography (Stacy Fowler from The Golden Hayride as Eliza and Danielle Riebeau, Event Manager at the Colorado Railroad Museum as Helen.)
Also, don’t miss Eliza’s story about the history of Golden when she visited Goosetown Station in 2021:
In 2025, we introduced two additional awards:
Carrie Critchfield Engagement Award for outstanding involvement and active participation in Golden Women in Business. Irene Goetz Legacy Award, honoring unwavering dedication and timeless service to Golden Women in Business.
About Carrie Critchfield (1903-1935)
No one can deny that Carrie Critchfield was one of the most active and accomplished women in Golden’s history. She began working for the Coors Porcelain company at just 13 years old, where she worked for 47 years before retiring in 1970. Having served as President of the Golden Business and Professional Women’s Club which was established in 1926. The state federation of the club named her Woman of the Year in 1955.
Perhaps most notably, she made Golden history by being the first woman elected to the Golden City Council, where she served from 1968 to 1970. In her role, she helped draft the Home Charter rule of Golden in 1967. In addition to being a member of numerous Golden clubs, she volunteered at the Jefferson County American Cancer Society, where she served on its Board of Directors and as Program Chairman.
It is clear she was incredibly well connected and respected in the Golden community and beyond. She gave of herself so fully both through work and giving back to her community, helping shape Golden into the future.
An avid traveler, she visited many countries and all but three states in the US before passing at 92 years old in Golden.
About Irene (Gay) Goetz (1894-1982)
The Irene Goetz Legacy Award is a tribute to a woman whose enduring presence and steadfast support have shaped and sustained businesses and organizations that still thrive in our community. Named for Irene (Gay) Goetz—Golden native, devoted journalist, lifelong volunteer, and passionate historian—this award celebrates a legacy of service that spans generations.
Irene told stories of the community as a reporter with the Colorado Transcript, which is now the Golden Transcript. She helped coordinate blood drives and won an award for her service over three decades with the Red Cross. Her numerous scrapbooks of Golden’s history documented buildings before their demise. She even called the Astor house her home for 41 years, from 1915-1956. Irene’s life was woven into the very fabric of Golden.
She preserved its stories, served its people, and left an indelible mark on its history. In her spirit, we honor those who, through quiet strength and lasting commitment, continue to nurture and elevate the mission of Golden Women in Business.
